[UPDATED] Former TT player Marcano, dies in car crash

Jason Marcano

THE LOCAL football fraternity was plunged into mourning as former TT player Jason Marcano died in a vehicular accident yesterday morning, at the age of 35.

It is understood that Marcano, who was nicknamed “Nelly” and “Smithy”, was on his way to his Cleaver Woods, Arima home, along the Eastern Main Road, when, in the vicinity of Arouca, he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a wall.

Marcano, who was married and a father of a son, represented TT in 12 international matches, since his debut on October 17, 2007 against El Salvador.

He last donned the TT colours in a 2-2 draw away to Grenada, at the National Stadium in St George’s, on March 19, 2016.

On the domestic circuit, where he was used either as a winger or a striker, he represented W Connection (2005-2006), San Juan Jabloteh (2006-2012 and 2018), St Ann’s Rangers (2012-2013) and Central FC (2013-2018).

During his time at San Juan Jabloteh, he was the 2005 Pro League Most Valuable Player (Youth) and a member of the club’s successful teams who won the 2008 Pro League and 2010-2011 FA Trophy.

With Central FC, he was part of the team’s hat-trick of Pro League crowns (2014-2015, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017), as well as the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield (2014), CFU Club Championship (2015 and 2016), Pro Bowl (2015) and Charity Shield (2015).

Known for his dribbling skills and his high-pitched tone which he frequently used towards teammates and officials, Marcano was the cousin of defender/midfielder Elton John, who is currently playing with Halifax Wanderers in the inaugural Canadian Professional League.

Former England footballer Terry Fenwick, who coached Marcano at both Jabloteh and Central FC, said in a telephone interview, “What a lovely lad he was, not just a great footballer, he was a lovely individual (who) got on with all of his teammates. He would always go the extra yard to help people, give a helping hand in whatever we were doing to help anyone within the squad. Absolutely so mind-blowing to hear (the news), I’m so disappointed.

“He was difficult to coach because he wanted to run his own game, but he was very infectious around the team. He was always very positive and he was an exceptional footballer. He did a lot of good things over his course with me. He was one of the top players that I’ve had here.”

About his view about Marcano being “difficult to coach”, Fenwick stressed, “in a good way.”
Fenwick said, “He always had something else up his sleeve. He was a bag of tricks and trying to get him through a system of play was sometimes difficult but he had so much ability, he always made it work.”

Central FC owner and ex-national defender Brent Sancho said, “It’s a very sad day for the Central FC family. My prayers and thoughts go out to his very young family. It’s shocking to hear the news. He spent six seasons with the club.

“Arguably (he was) one of the fabric of Central FC and one of the stalwarts of the club,” continued the ex-Sports Minister. “He was a pleasure to work with, on and off the field. It’s sad to see somebody so young go that way.”

According to Sancho, “He was one of those players that, when he was on his game, he was unplayable. He’s easily one of the top five players to play in the Pro League. He had a marvellous contribution to the league. He was an exciting player to watch. It was unfortunate he didn’t burst onto the international scene because he had the ingredients to play professionally outside. (But) that didn’t materialise.

“Off the pitch, he was one of those guys that would be first to do any community event for the club. He revelled in doing most of our community initiatives,” Sancho added.

Former TT coach Stephen Hart, who is the current coach at Halifax, posted on Twitter, “Saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Jason Marcano. Condolences to the family! Way too soon, RIP Jason!”

Also paying tribute to Marcano was former Member of Parliament Alicia Hospedales who wrote, on his Facebook page, “Can’t even begin to comprehend what is happening ... got the news of (my) cousin Jason Marcano dying in an accident – he was a multi-talented footballer, very supportive and loving son to his parents and a loving father, friend and cousin.”

This story was originally published with the title "TT footballer Marcano dies" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

THE LOCAL football fraternity was plunged into mourning as former TT player Jason Marcano died in a vehicular accident this morning, at the age of 35.

Details are still sketchy but it is understood that the accident occurred in east Trinidad. Marcano, who was married and a father of a son, represented TT in 12 international matches, since his debut on October 17, 2007 against El Salvador. He won numerous titles, including Pro League and FA Cup, with San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC, during his career.

His cousin, Elton John, is currently playing with Halifax Wanderers in the inaugural Canadian Professional League.

Paying tribute to Marcano was former Member of Parliament Alicia Hospedales who wrote, on his Facebook page, "Can't even begin to comprehend what is happening ... got the news of cousin Jason Marcano dying in an accident early this morning - he was a multi-talented footballer, very supportive and loving son to his parents and a loving father, friend and cousin."